| Papers [1-15] of 69 :: [Page 1 of 5] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 —> | Search results on "ERGOTISM WITCHCRAFT": |
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Ergotism and Witchcraft, 2002.
An essay that provides a modern look at the trials of witches and reasons for witchcraft in the Middle Ages.
1,925 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 61.95
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Abstract
This paper examines witchcraft in England during the Middle Ages and the arguments used by historians Macfarlane and Caporael on the possible reasons for hallucinogenic properties of ergotism. The paper discusses the Essex, England and Salem, Mass., USA witch-trials.
From the Paper
"European witchcraft emerged only at the end of the middle ages; the great witch craze occurred during the renaissance, reformation and ended at the end of the 18th century. During these periods at least 100,000 men, women, children and animals were tortured and burnt as witches. However, although this period of persecution of witches was known as the burning times, there were no witches burnt in England or during the famous Salem Witch craze, all offenders found guilty during this time were either imprisoned for a period or hanged."
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Salem Witchcraft Trials, 2005.
Presents a scientific analysis of the Salem Witchcraft Trials.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine, in brief, some scientific approaches to the question of what exactly caused the Salem witch trials. What was the impetus behind these girls accusing members of the community of witchcraft? Barring the presence of actual witches, what does the scientific community have to say regarding the matter? Specifically, the paper examines the possibility that the girls who accused so many in the Salem community were suffering from ergot poisoning, a toxic and psychoactive condition that results from ingesting grains that have been contaminated with the ergot fungus.
From the Paper
"In the course of the European colonization of the Americas, few historical events are as bizarre, unexplained, and yet formative as the Salem witch trials of 1692. During that tumultuous year, a number of young girls accused many members of the community of being witches. The result was that a number of these people were executed, with many more imprisoned for their "crimes." The purpose of this study is to examine, in brief, some scientific approaches to the question of what exactly caused the Salem witch trials. What was the impetus behind these girls accusing members of the community of witchcraft? Barring the presence of actual witches, what does the scientific community have to say regarding the matter?"
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Salem Witchcraft, 1980.
This paper discusses the witchcraft hysteria, specifically the witchcraft trials held in Salem Village, Massachusetts in 1692: Executions, key personalities, historical and social aspects.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 8 sources, $ 71.95
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From the Paper
"This research is concerned with the witchcraft hysteria that occurred in Massachusetts, specifically the witchcraft trials held in Salem Village in the year 1692. The purpose of the study is to look at the events surrounding the trails and subsequent executions, probable causes, and some of the key people involved. It is designed to look at the trials in terms of the context of their time.
One of the most important factors concerning the causes of the witchcraft trials in Salem is that they were part of an historical and social tradition that encompassed not only Massachusetts in the colonial period but humankind throughout much of recorded history. The trials, contrary to popular belief, were really not an aberration, but, in part, were a segment of a continuum begun in ancient times. In fact, the .... "
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The Salem Witchcraft Trials, 2007.
An examination of the Salem witchcraft trials of 1692.
1,288 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how the cause of Salem's witchcraft hysteria was not the work of the Devil, but more likely the lust for power exhibited by church leaders. The paper examines how the Salem Witchcraft Trials conflict developed into social upheaval as a result of disorder in the legal system. The paper examines how this upheaval began with the loss of the original charter of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, then, a colonial power struggle in the aftermath of James II's deposition in the Glorious Revolution. The paper further examines how the lack of settled English rules of trial law and the question of reliable of evidence, particularly with respect to spectral evidence, further aggrandized the disorder.
Outline:
Abstract
Role of the Massachusetts State in the Witchcraft Craze of 1692
Salem's Elite During the Craze
Salem as a Theocracy
The Trials as Dramatic Performance
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The young girls who testified in open court about the effect of witchcraft on the people of Salem added to the drama by responding to invisible pinches and kicks from evil spirits, rolling about on the floor and screaming in agony . These reactions, perceived by the magistrates, many of whom were given that power because of their high rank in the church, used their religious training as a substitute for familiarity with the laws in place at the time and made rulings strictly on the basis of what they perceived to be God's will, and not the burden of law."
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Effects of Witchcraft on African Culture, 2004.
A survey of witchcraft belief and practice and social dynamics in Africa.
1,840 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a survey of witchcraft belief and practice, and social dynamics in Africa. The paper explores the historical and cultural context of witchcraft and discusses various themes related to witchcraft belief such as social standing and power relationships.
From the Paper
"The purpose of this research is to examine effects of witchcraft on African culture. The plan of the research will be to set forth the historical and cultural context in which witchcraft has been shown to achieve relevance to indigenous African cultures and ..."
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Witchcraft, 2002.
This paper searches for answers about the reality of witchcraft in the 16th and 17th Centuries.
2,595 words (approx. 10.4 pages), 14 sources, APA, $ 78.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses that witchcraft was, and perhaps still is, a reaction to, or rejection of, faith-based philosophies. The paper states that typically, the new witch, having been through a hardship prior to becoming a witch, enjoys her new supernatural powers to use against anyone she chooses to harm. The author concludes that there is ample evidence that some people in history have possessed unusual powers; but, to the skeptic, those people might not have been witches, but rather, merely mystics, shamans or medicine men (much like Native Americans? spiritual leaders).
Table of Contents
Introduction
Slaughter on a Massive Scale
15th Century Witchcraft as a Prelude?
Myths, Stereotypes, and Questions about the Veracity of Witches? Tales
The Benandanti
Witchcraft in Colonial America
Conclusion
From the Paper
"It seems not too much of a stretch to say that the Salem witch trials were among the first cases of ?church VS state? litigation in the new democratic nation. And while it might be easy to cast aspersions on those long-ago and far-away witch-hunting trials ? church / state confusion ? the truth is, for America, religion is still pushing its weight into governmental matters. One need only observe the power of the ?Christian Right? (which urges school prayer, frowns on inter-racial relationships and supports right-wing American politicians) to know that a new witch-hunt could begin at any time."
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The Salem Witchcraft Trials, 2002.
A discussion of the reasons behind and some of the main events of the the Salem witchcraft trials.
968 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the history of the Salem Witch Trials and how in the months of June to September 1692, nineteen men and women were hung near Salem Village, Massachusetts, for the crime of witchcraft. It looks at how the rumours and accusations started and Salem?s easy acceptance of the idea of witchcraft which turned into hysteria. It evaluates some of the different stories of convictions and the testimonies and the aftermath of the trials. The paper includes a timeline of events in the New English colonies.
From the Paper
"Salem?s hysteria over witchcraft sparked with the strange illness of Betty Parris, the daughter of the Salem minister. She exhibited a strange variety of symptoms, including contorting in pain, ducking under furniture, and complaints of fever. Talk of witchcraft increased as several of Betty?s playmates, including Ann Putnam and Mary Walcott began to show similar symptoms.
Salem?s easy acceptance of the idea of witchcraft came partially from the ideas espoused in Cotton Mather?s book, Memorable Providences. This book, popular just before the trial, described the suspected witchcraft of an Irish servant in Boston. The behavior of the woman in the book was eerily similar to that of young Betty Parris, who ultimately claimed that her afflictions were the result of witchcraft."
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Medieval Witchcraft, 2002.
A look at the history and theory behind witchcraft and witch-hunts.
2,476 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how in the medieval period witchcraft emerged from relative obscurity into the forefront of the European social consciousness. It examines how the witch-hunts of the medieval period had the dual effect of demonstrating the power of the Catholic church and the removal of many marginal groups within European society. It shows that while the persecution of witches began in the medieval period, it extended well beyond that and how the period of the greatest persecution was between 1500-1700 A.D.. It attempts to understand the general social conditions that allowed the witch-hunts to occur and analyzes different theories to explain medieval witchcraft and its persecution. It also discusses how the witch-hunts could have attacked any group in the populace, but mostly targeted women and how this targeting could have reflected a general misogyny during that period of time, possibly resulting from the degree of sexual repression at the time.
From the Paper
"The reason for the original initiation of the witch-hunts is unknown, but it was very likely begun by the Catholic church hierarchy rather than started at a grass-roots level. In the early Medieval period the Catholic church focused the attention of the people on the holy land with the Crusades into the middle-east. The Crusades proved a failure and were a great sap on both the resources and the military manpower of the European nations. Perhaps the church learned from the Crusades how much happier and content a populace is when they have an outside enemy to fear and hate. The last Crusade was in 1270, leaving no great enemy or quest for the followers of the church to rally around."
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Salem Witchcraft Trials, 2004.
An analysis of the Salem witchcraft trials.
1,880 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the Salem witchcraft trials that occurred in the 17th century. The paper reviews two literary works on this topic, "The Devil in the Shape of a Woman", by Carol Karlsen, and "In the Devil's Snare", by Mary Beth Norton. The paper compares these two books and explains the different approaches taken to the witchcraft trials.
From the Paper
"Salem witchcraft is probably the most fascinating and most talked about subject in the history of the world. How people were accused of being witches and wizards, the trials that ensued, the baseless charges that were made and the hysteria that had gripped Salem in the 17th century have fascinated historians around the globe and most prominently in the United States and Europe and endless researches have been conducted so far. These researches focus on the one troubling question: what gave rise to the witchcraft hysteria and paranoia? Some people it was the simply the invasion of new changes in social values and beliefs that resulted in these tragic events where many were hanged and numerous others were sent to prison. Some believe that the fact that most women in those days were confined to their houses where depressive conditions had had a negative impact on their psyches and teenage girls began accusing older women of witchcraft. However it appears that this debate will never end, at least not in the near future since new books are still coming out with unique perspectives on the issue."
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Witchcraft, 2002.
A look at the practice of witchcraft in the 15-16th centuries.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 4 sources, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This seven-page undergraduate paper discusses the practice of Witchcraft, which had given rise to a wave of intense fear in the 15 and 16th centuries and led to worldwide persecutions of witches. The craft is associated with the Devil but in recent times there have been some significant change 9in the attitude of people towards the followers of Wicca culture.
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Crime and Witchcraft, 2005.
This paper examines the connection between crime and witchcraft.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 2 sources, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This essay deals briefly with the real or perceived relationship between crime and witchcraft by exploring examples from present news headlines and the Salem witch trials. The writer discusses that guilty or innocent, many have suffered at the very least a loss in social position, and that is the driving factor behind any respectable witch-hunt; to destroy the person whether they have actually fractured a law or not.
From the Paper
"If there is a real or perceived relationship between crime and witchcraft, it is that both have historically, and continue to be, blamed on "the work of the Devil." Whether the act is construed as sacrilege or simply stealing sustenance out of animal needs, criminal and seemingly pagan acts, even if only verbal curses, have been lumped in with everything Satan by both prosecution and defense. So it is no surprise that establishment classes have reacted in kind, mixing church and state while subjecting both types of accused to real and metaphorical cross-burnings after guilt-by-reputation trials, hence the term "witch-hunt"."
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Witchcraft of Early Modern Europe, 2002.
An examination of the way witchcraft was percieved in early modern Europe.
2,150 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 5 sources, $ 80.95
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Abstract
A complex combination of Christian orthodoxy and patriarchal domination influenced the world-view of England between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries that led people to associate witches with evil or Satan and wizards with divinity or supernatural power. This paper explains why witchcraft favored men whereas accused women.
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Witchcraft, 2002.
A study of different perceptions of witchcraft across cultures.
3,013 words (approx. 12.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 88.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how studies of witchcraft accusations usually attribute witch hunts to some form of social change within a society. It looks at how in Europe, colonial New England and contemporary Africa, many studies show how the changing roles of women, political change, and economic change have contributed to the fear of witches. It also looks at how the changing roles of women in society are a main factor in the gendered bias of women being accused as witches.
From the Paper
"In colonial New England, the Puritans new quest for money led to witch-hunts. As the study of Salem village by Boyer and Nissenbaum shows, the division of witchcraft accusations was clearly a result of those who would profit by trade with Salem Town. There was nothing random about the pattern of accusations. A study of the layout of the village shows that those who accused others of witchcraft and the accused resided on opposite sides of the village. As land costs rose and the size of land ownership was falling, Salem village depended more on trade with Salem Town. They were economically and politically dependent on the town. However, some wanted independence from the town while others wished to maintain the ties with the town. As a result of the economic changes in Salem village, an severe outbreak of witchcraft accusations broke out."
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Witchcraft, 1991.
A general survey of witchcraft, past and present including a discussion of how witches practice their craft, what a real witch is like and types of witches.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 6 sources, $ 71.95
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From the Paper
"This paper will provide a general survey of witchcraft, past and present. The paper will also discuss contemporary witches, and how they practice their craft. Most experts agree that witchcraft represents "the old, pre-Christian, tribal religion of Europe" (Starhawk Truth or Dare 7). Although witchcraft is commonly associated with the use of magical spells and other anti-social behaviors, experts also agree that true witchcraft is actually nothing more than "a form of nature worship that has long been popular in alternative circles" (Lacher E1-E3). However, it is also acknowledged that there are two basic types of witches. According to the occult writer Marion Weinstein, witches may choose to follow either a negative or positive path in the practice of their craft. The negative path relates to the traditional stereotype of witches who use demons and magical..."
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Witchcraft Trials in Salem, 2002.
An account of the witchtrials in Salem, examining the background, the hysteria, and three individuals- Sarah Good, Bridget Bishop, and Rebecca Nurse, who were tried and hanged for witchcraft.
2,875 words (approx. 11.5 pages), 4 sources, $ 85.95
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Abstract
This paper provides an in-depth look at the witch-hunt hysteria that overtook the village of Salem, Massachusetts in the late 17th century. The author discusses the rigid Puritan lifestyle, class systems, possible motivations behind the witch hunting, and the well-known story that started the anarchy, that of the Reverend Parris' household, plagued by suspicion of the occult.
From the Paper
"In the late 17th century, the lion quietly walked among the inhabitants of Salem , Massachusetts . Zealously obedient to this admonishment from the apostle Peter, the pious folk of New England searched their souls ? and those of their neighbors ? for even the slightest stain. These Puritan?s believed it was their objective to stare down that lion, until Judgment Day saw him vanquished. In the spring and summer of 1692, that great lion roared, and brought with it devastation that tore Salem apart. Nineteen men and women, all having been tried, and convicted of witchcraft, were carted to Gallows Hill, a barren slope on the outskirts of Salem Village , for hanging. Hundreds of others were arrested and imprisoned on witchcraft charges. Dozens languished in jail for months without trials. Then, almost as soon as it had begun, the hysteria that swept through Puritan Massachusetts ended."
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